A source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that Bennett will not give the Bucs a chance to match. Per the source, Bennett misspoke.

Not that it would matter. While Bennett’s words could in theory scare other teams away from engaging in a potentially fruitless exercise, the Bucs don’t seem to be inclined to pay Bennett anything close to what he could get on the open market.

Lots of Bucs post today… I like it! Hopefully once Free Agency starts we see some articles with us making some strong moves. Ideally, 2nd level signings to address almost everything and allow ourselves to draft the best available options.

The Canty comparison sounds pretty much dead on. I’d also be surprised if he doesn’t end up in Tennessee with Keith Millard as their dline coach. Bennett loves Millard.

trollhammer20 says:Mar 11, 2013 3:03 PM

Quick call from the agent changed his mind fast.

No one is going to make an offer to a guy who’s stated he’s going to give his current team a chance to match the offer. They want you to sign before you leave….they’re there to make their team better, not to negotiate deals for someone else.

As a Bucs fan I like this guy and his motor and would welcome him back.

That being said, they already have some young DE talent, even if there are questions.

Clayborn coming off injury, but another high motor guy.

Bowers – We need to see what he can do.

Don’t forget Daniel Teo’ – He played decent off the bench and while not great, earned a spot in the rotation.

Plus they can sign a 3rd/4th DE for less and spend the money elsewhere.

It would be great if they could work out Bennett coming back, but don’t think it’s going to happen.

wryly1 says:Mar 11, 2013 3:33 PM

This is a business move called by Bennetts agent. If he said Bucs could match, he’d only be bidding against himself. Duuuh. Another thing we can tell is that he wants out of Tampa. double duh.

malkinrulez says:Mar 11, 2013 4:04 PM

Actually from what I’ve read he would love to stay in tampa but after meeting with his agent it was clear he wanted more than tampa was willing to pay. He’s a good DE who plays the run and can rush the passer, I am interested to see what he gets.

Unnamed source, lol you guys just reported that the guy stated he’ll give us a chance to match! Anyway let someone like the Redskins our Titans over pay him, if you ask me he should’ve had more sacks with all the passing attempts we had against us! If John Abraham is cheaper I’d like to see him instead, plus Bowers should be healthier and Clayborn coming back we shouldn’t miss this guy! Heard him on the radio saying him & his bro wouldn’t take a discount so let’em walk the plank! It’s a bucs life!

Obviously Bennett’s new agent told him to shut up! Bennett was no help last year on the pass defence. He was good on the run defence when the few times opponents decided to give it a try. They should let him walk. Bowers is healthy now so they should just
draft a backup!